The Los Angeles Lakers have entered a multi-year agreement naming National University the franchise’s official higher education sponsor, the club announced on March 17, 2025.
According to the Lakers, the partnership will combine in-arena fan experiences with community programs across Southern California. “We’re honored to introduce National University as the first official higher education sponsor of the Los Angeles Lakers,” said Jill Snodgrass, the team’s vice president of corporate partnerships. “Through this new collaboration, we look forward to introducing the university to Lakers Nation and honoring our shared values and commitment to community.”
National University, a veteran-founded nonprofit established in 1971, serves approximately 130,000 learners each year and counts 250,000 alumni in fields such as education, health care and criminal justice. The San Diego–based institution offers more than 150 degree programs delivered through on-campus, online, hybrid, metaverse, four-week and eight-week formats.
“As the Lakers and our students know, excellence is rooted in learning well and finishing strong,” said National University president and CEO Dr. Mark D. Milliron. “Partnering with the Lakers—an iconic organization known for both athletic excellence and community impact—amplifies our mission to support ‘ANDers’: students pursuing education while working, parenting, caregiving, serving in the military and more.”
Planned activations include a pregame Cadet Swearing-In Ceremony, an on-court presentation of the Lakers Scholarship and a “Heroes on the Hardwood” basketball clinic at a local military base.
On the basketball side, attention remains on superstar guard Luka Dončić, who is preparing for his first full season in Los Angeles. Retired All-Star Tim Hardaway recently predicted the 26-year-old could claim his first NBA Most Valuable Player award if he sustains his offseason form and leads the Lakers to a top seed in the Western Conference.
Source: Lakers Nation
